How Many Countries Can Malaysian Visit Without Visa?
Many countries offer a visa-free travel program that allows foreign visitors to enter and stay within the country without obtaining a visa. This is a great option for those who want to explore a new city or region, but don’t have time to apply for a traditional visa.
Malaysia also has a visa-free program for certain nationalities. Check out the list below to see what is available for Malaysians.
United States of America
The United States is one of the countries that does not require a visa to visit for citizens from 38 participating countries. Others who are not eligible for visa-free travel include travelers from Canada and Bermuda, those with criminal records (even if subject to pardon or other act of clemency), or those with serious communicable diseases.
The program requires that travelers be in possession of passports valid for at least 90 days beyond their planned duration of stay. This limit is not extendable by a single trip to a neighboring country, however.
Passports must also meet biometric requirements. These include fingerprints, photographs and a secure personal identity number.
The US has a very complicated visa policy, and it is essential to read up on the rules before applying for a tourist or business visitor visa. It is advisable to start the application process as early as possible, as it can take up to six months before you receive your visa.
United Kingdom
Malaysian citizens do not need to obtain a visa before travelling to Europe, including Germany. However, travellers should always double-check all of their travel documents before making any plans.
In addition, from November 2023, all travellers will need to register with a quick online system called ETIAS in order to gain access to the Schengen Zone. This is expected to significantly reduce the amount of paperwork required for visitors and will also improve cross-border security.
ETIAS will replace the current system of obtaining a visa before visiting Europe, which can be a very time-consuming process. In an effort to streamline the application process and make it easy for citizens of visa-exempt countries, such as Malaysia, to visit Europe, ETIAS will only be necessary once every three years.
Australia
Malaysia is a member of the Commonwealth, which means that its citizens are granted visa-free access to more than 100 countries. This includes most European states and many American, Asian and African nations.
The number of countries Malaysian passport holders can visit without a visa varies, depending on the type of passport they hold. Those with an Australian passport have the most access to this visa-free travel, but other nationals can also take advantage of these options.
In general, you’ll need a valid Malaysian passport (plus a photocopy) to apply for a visa, and a detailed itinerary showing where you’re going. It’s also important to provide evidence of ties to home, including proof that you have a job or other financial means.
Some countries still require fingerprinting, particularly in Europe. If you’re applying from abroad, check the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting for any specific requirements. COVID-19-related restrictions may also apply, so make sure you read our destination-specific travel advice before travelling.
New Zealand
New Zealand, known as Aotearoa in Maori (rhymes with “dowry”), is an island country in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands, North and South Island, and several smaller ones.
A modern, highly developed country, it is renowned for its quality of life, human rights and civil liberties, government transparency, and free trade. It is also known for its strong social attitudes and commitment to equality.
Its diverse culture incorporates influences from English, Scottish, Irish and Maori culture along with a wide range of Polynesian and Asian traditions. The country’s language is te reo Maori, a Polynesian language that was first brought to New Zealand by Maori from the South Pacific about four centuries ago.
The climate is mild, with conditions ranging from wet and cold on South Island’s west coast to dry and continental inland across the mountains in Northland and almost subtropical in the northern reaches of North Island. Many films and television series feature New Zealand’s spectacular landscape, including the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Canada
The Malaysian passport is one of the most valuable passports in the world as it gives you access to a huge number of countries and territories without the need for a visa. In addition, a large number of countries now allow you to obtain a visa online (eVisa) or get a visa on arrival.
In 2023, there are 113 countries that allow Malaysian passport holders to enter visa-free. This is a significant number, and many destinations are making it even easier for Malaysian passport holders to travel by offering eVisas or visa-on-arrival.
Canada is a country located in North America that comprises ten provinces and three territories. It has a population of about 38 million people in 2020. Its national capital is Ottawa, while the largest city is Toronto.
Japan
The Malaysian passport is one of the top-ranked passports in Asia for travel freedom. It gives citizens access to 176 countries and territories without a visa or on a visa-on-arrival, and it ranks 13th in the Henley Passport Index.
However, some countries still require visas for Malaysians to enter them. This is why it is important to check the current travel restrictions before traveling.
If you are planning to visit Japan for tourism or business purposes, you can apply for a short-term stay visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also get a visa through a host organization, such as an educational institution or employer.
There are many types of visas available in Japan, including working and study visas. You can even apply for a highly skilled professional visa. You can find out more about these visas on the Immigration Bureau’s website.
South Korea
South Korea is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and has visa-exempt status for most nationalities. Citizens from these countries can enter the country for a period of 30 to 180 days.
The APEC e-Visa scheme allows travelers to apply for a visa online. Applicants need to fill out an online e-Form and then visit a Korean embassy or consulate with a printout of the completed e-Form, their passport, a 3.5cm x 4.5cm (1.4in x 1.7in) photo and any additional required documents.
Foreigners who want to stay in South Korea on a permanent basis can apply for a residence permit. This is based on an immigration point system and can be issued to high investors who have made a significant investment in the country and who have hired at least five Korean workers.
The South Korean government is also in the process of developing a program to allow foreigners to teach English or other languages for primary school level and above. It is a visa that can be obtained only by qualified individuals with a three-year university degree or TEFL certification.
Singapore
Malaysia is a member of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and as a result, citizens can travel visa-free to other member countries. This means that you can enjoy the beaches, jungles and food markets without the complicated paperwork that is often associated with Southeast Asian travel.
If you are traveling from another country in the region, you should also check with your home country to see if you will need a visa. Some countries, such as Bangladesh, require that you apply for a visa ahead of time in order to enter their country.
For short-term visitors to Malaysia, you can also apply for a social pass. This is a temporary stamp on your passport that allows you to visit the country for tourism, business or social visits.
Malaysia
Having the ability to travel to more than 100 countries without visas is one of the main benefits of having a Malaysia passport. The Henley Passport Index ranks the Malaysian passport as the 14th strongest in terms of travel freedom.
With 113 destinations in 2023 that offer visa-free entry, Malaysians have access to a large variety of world locations. Additionally, they can enter 36 destinations with a visa on arrival and 25 with a valid eVisa.
While these options are very convenient, there are still some countries that require a traditional visa. This page highlights these destinations for Malaysians to visit in 2023 and provides information on how to get a visa, whether it be through a visa on arrival or an eVisa.
As an additional convenience, Malaysian citizens can apply for ETIAS, which is a travel authorization that will allow them to visit the Schengen Area starting from November 1, 2023. The ETIAS is a hassle-free way for the European Union to screen visitors prior to their arrival, boosting security and visibility.